A Soviet stamp dedicated to the 1984 European Speed Skating Championships for Women
The International Skating Union has organised the European Speed Skating Championships for Women since 1970, but they were discontinued after the 1974 tournament because of lack of interest. The European Championships for Women were reinstated in 1981.
History
Distances used
In the years 1970–1974 and 1981–1982, four distances had to be skated: 500 m – 1,000 m – 1,500 m – 3,000 m (the mini combination).
From 1983 to 2017, four distances had to be skated: 500 m – 1,500 m – 3,000 m – 5,000 m (the small combination).
Starting in 2017, in odd years, a separate competition with four distances is held: 500 m – 1000 m – 500 m – 1000 m (the sprint combination).
Starting in 2018, in even years, a single distance championships with seven events will be held: 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, team pursuit, mass start, and team sprint.[1]
Ranking systems used
Since 1970, the samalog system has been in use. However, the rule that a skater winning at least three distances was automatically European Champion remained in effect until (and including) 1986.
Medal winners
Numbers in brackets denotes number of victories in corresponding disciplines. Boldface denotes record number of victories.
